4 12, 2017

Travel Missteps: A Bump in the Night

By |December 4th, 2017|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

On my second trip to St John, USVI I once again stayed in the tree-house like canvas tent cabins of the Maho Bay Camps. It was relatively cheap, eco-conscious, and amazing views! However, the tents were getting a little worse for the ware. Small holes dotted the roof and screens. Doors wouldn't fully close. But, when you are in paradise, these complaints fade away. Iguanas lounged on the deck. Hermit crabs scurried underfoot (after being captured and released by a young child.) Gekkos in your tent became your friend as they would eat the bugs. Rain would lull you to

25 11, 2017

Souvenir Saturday: German Porcelain Candle House 2

By |November 25th, 2017|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

As I've written before, you'll often find these porcelain houses at German Christmas Markets. You place a candle inside and the light flickers in the windows. Some even have a chimney where you can put oil to burn for fragrance or place a small incense cone to simulate a smoking chimney.   This one is made by Kastel Keramik Haus (or they are also known as Lichthauser) and I purchased it at my first Christmas Market in Frankfurt. It was the last night of their market, and so I got some of these little houses for 50% off. It is called "Stone House

20 11, 2017

Travel Missteps: Strip now!

By |November 20th, 2017|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

We had been traveling for hours in the cold. Over 4 hours to be exact. On trains, and metros, and taxis. We wanted to get into our comfy rented apartment and crash before heading back out to Munich's Christmas Markets. But it was December 23rd in Germany, and most everything would be closed for a few days over Christmas. So we dropped our bags at the entrance and went off in search of food and supplies. After getting plenty of provisions, we were ready to climb the 4 flights of marble stairs (luggage in tow). However, our German housekeeper was...quite

16 11, 2017

The Rothenburg Schneeball (Snowball)

By |November 16th, 2017|Categories: Food, Food & Drink, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Walking around Rothenburg ob der Tauber I kept seeing these snowball-sized round balls. They are called Schneeball (Snowball) and are a local creation. It is pie dough wrapped into a ball, deep fried, and traditionally covered in powdered sugar. As you can see, many different varieties are now sold! Try one if you find yourself in Rothenburg!

9 10, 2017

Travel Missteps: Winter Fashion Failure

By |October 9th, 2017|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Today is the first snow in Colorado. I prefer to be warm over fashionable in winter. That means lots of layers and completely bundled up. The above photo was my look for Germany in 2011. But the further back I go I see more examples. For example, I sported this stunning blue look in Venice 2005. To be fair it was running and snowing on NYE, and so it was especially cold. However, my mother is always fabulously dressed, so I wonder where I get this... Oh yeah from Dad! He looked even more intimidating at night with his hood on. Also

25 09, 2017

Travel Missteps: Vegas in One Dress

By |September 25th, 2017|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

To be honest, I don't remember why I bought the dress. I hate dresses. I hate showing my legs and I hate the fancy shoes that go with it. But I probably bought it because when I need a dress, I never have one. But I do remember haphazardly throwing it in my luggage as the last item in. I was heading to Las Vegas for my best friend Heather's mini bachelorette party. And while I knew we wouldn't be clubbing, I worried that my jeans+T-shirt fashion wouldn't be appropriate. But I wasn't sure. Heather and I often had similar styles.

7 09, 2017

Scenes from St John, USVI

By |September 7th, 2017|Categories: Nature & Outdoors, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment

Hurricane Irma has devastated so many countries and islands, and sadly I hear my beloved island of St John in the US Virgin Islands has been hit pretty hard. And with Irma heading towards Florida, more devastation is on its way. With St John on my mind, I'm sharing some of my favorite landscape photos I took on my 2011 trip. View of Anna Point and Leinster Bay. Look at that gorgeous color water! The beautiful Trunk Bay. Looking towards Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole from Bordeaux Mountain. Rainbow over Francis Bay and Whistling

3 07, 2017

Travel Missteps: Getting out of (Timeshare) Jail

By |July 3rd, 2017|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

I remember when growing up, my parents would frequently go to timeshare presentations. Not to actually buy anything, but to use whatever free stuff they were giving away. In Colorado, that usually was a free or discounted hotel room (and free childcare during the presentation) at a ski resort in the summer. I remember multiple times going up for a quick weekend in the mountains while my parents disappeared for a few hours before coming back.  But, I was young and didn't have any idea what was actually happening until I experienced it first hand. I don't know how this